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Hypertension is associated with impairments in cognitive function in older adults, but the nature and extent of these deficits are unclear. Brief cognitive measures lack sensitivity, whereas comprehensive assessments produce numerous variables that are difficult to interpret. The authors performed a principal-components analysis using a computerized cognitive assessment battery and neuropsychological measures of executive function in 506 hypertensive and normotensive older participants. Composite factor scores were used to reanalyze data from 223 untreated participants without vascular complications. The hypertensive group had deficits in Speed of Cognition, Episodic and Working Memory, and Executive Function but not Continuity of Attention. Using composite scores simplified data interpretation and suggested differential effects of hypertension on cognitive performance not clearly evident in individual test results.

Original publication

DOI

10.1037/0278-6133.22.6.587

Type

Journal article

Journal

Health Psychol

Publication Date

11/2003

Volume

22

Pages

587 - 591

Keywords

Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Attention, Cognition, Cognition Disorders, Cohort Studies, Female, Humans, Hypertension, Male, Memory, Neuropsychological Tests, Principal Component Analysis, Psychometrics